Wolves Are An "Economic Boon?"

by
posted on August 12, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (28)

undefinedThe hunting of wolves has been a contentious issue over the past few years—at least in the regions where the canines happen to roam. As Dave Campbell noted, Wyoming only opened a season up last fall. Today we'll be discussing Michigan, which is the latest state to run into a spot of trouble.

This past May, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill that effectively paved the way for an eventual wolf season in his state's Northern Peninsula. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, however, a group of Animal Rights Activists struck back earlier today by launching a petition to repeal the law, which was passed by the State Legislature. They hope that the petition will drum up enough support to sway things in their favor when the issue next goes to vote in Nov. 2014.

The original bill—which granted the state's Natural Resources Commission with the power to determine game species and hunting seasons without continual State Legislature oversight—was fiercely contested by a group of petitioners, with help from the Humane Society of the United States. It passed anyway, and a short, heavily monitored hunting season was set for this coming December. The season will be capped at 43 wolves, and will be held from Dec. 15 to 31.

The season will only be open in three of the state's northern most counties, where locals have repeatedly reported wolf attacks on their livestock and pets.

For the most part, the story's cut and dry: Like a number of states before it, Michigan is trying to tentatively open up a wolf season, and is being met with the inevitable resistance of HSUS. What I found entertaining, though, was the quote HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle offered up in the predator's defense:

“Wolves are an economic and ecological boon for the state of Michigan. They’re a tourist draw.”

Um... huh?

I'm still waiting for HSUS to provide some sort of evidence that people are flocking to Michigan's Northern Peninsula to see... wolves. I've seen folks trash hunting for a lot of different reasons (each effort as misguided as the last), but I don't think I've ever heard the "They're making the state money!" argument.

You see something new everyday, I suppose.

Latest

001 DTSD Cover 01
001 DTSD Cover 01

Range Review: DoubleTap Ammunition's SnakeShot Defense Loads

New for 2025, these hybrid rounds from DoubleTap Ammunition launch hollow point bullets with birdshot pellets.

First Look: LTT Impact Long-Range Tikka Rifle

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) has announced the launch of the LTT Impact Long-Range Rifle, in collaboration with Tikka.

Hardware Review: GPO Centuri 4-16x44i Super Compact

U.S.-based German Precision Optics (GPO) has introduced a Super Compact line of its signature Centuri riflescope, boasting a generous magnification range and the features it takes to be successful at any distance. Check out Frank Melloni's review of it here.

New for 2025: Gritr Caliber-Specific Gun Cleaning Kits

Gritr’s new Gun Cleaning Kits keep firearms operating at their best with expertly crafted components designed for specific calibers—everything needed to clean, lubricate, and protect in a compact, travel-ready case.

Why Triggers Matter

Any rifle is only as good as its trigger. Here's why.

New for 2025: Muddy Outdoors Carnage Die Cut Ground Blind

The Die Cut ground blind from Muddy Outdoors is designed to keep hunters completely undetected in the field. Crafted with textured die-cut fabric, the brand’s all-new blind blends seamlessly and naturally into its environment, breaking up its exterior outline while concealing movement inside

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.